Latest Lakers Rumors Update Impact of $12.5B Sale on Rob Pelinka Hiring New Assistant GM

The Los Angeles Lakers' ongoing ownership saga might be hamstringing the front office, according to The Athletic's Dan Woike .

Woike reported Monday that some around the organization "have acknowledged that high-end positions, particularly in basketball operations, aren't actively being filled."

"That likely includes the assistant general manager position Rob Pelinka said the Lakers planned on hiring this offseason to handle personnel and scouting," per the report.

The Lakers hired Rohan Ramadas as their assistant general manager of strategy and data systems in May. That preceded their proposed $12.5 billion sale to a group led by Josh Kushner and Bob Iger.

Woike wrote that "it's not fully clear how or when the lead of much-needed pro scouting staff will be installed."

The sale to Kushner and Iger isn't official, so Mark Walter is still the majority stakeholder with Jeanie Buss recognized as the team governor for league business.

As a result, a lot of people behind the scenes are stuck in a holding pattern, and that includes Pelinka. Kusher and Iger may have their own ideas for the broad focus of the front office and how resources should be allocated once they come aboard.

While the situation isn't optimal for Pelinka, waiting a few more weeks or months to fill out his staff may not create a huge problem.

Los Angeles' roster is set heading into the 2026-27 season, and Pelinka took what are likely to be his biggest swings for the next few years. Re-signing Austin Reaves and acquiring Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade ate up most of the Lakers' salary cap flexibility and trade assets.

Assuming they're in a contending position, the Lakers will presumably consider making some moves before the NBA trade deadline, though. Making the right upgrades around the margins can go a long way.

Pelinka will be at a disadvantage if the front office remains understaffed at a time when he needs to evaluate prospective targets.